Bridle bit



Feb. 23, 1954 QDONNELL 2,669,817

BRIDLE BIT Filed NOV. 28, 1951 James /7/ Obonne ll INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 23, 1954 UNITED STATES AT-EN'I OFFICE.

BRIDLE BIT James M. ODonneH, Alleghany, Calif. Application November 28, 1951, Serial No. 258,682

2 Claims.

This-invention relates to bridle bits, the primary object oi the invention being to provide a bridle bit wherein the side bars of the bit are pivotally connected with the bit bar in such a way that movement of the side bars of the bit with respect to the bit bar will be permitted, when the reins of the bit are pulled sideways in guiding the animal with which the bit is used.

An important object of the invention is to provide a bit wherein the side bars thereof are provided with enlarged circular end pieces to which the bit bar is connected, the end pieces being so constructed and arranged that side pressure will be directed to one jaw of the animal while simultaneously releasing pressure on the other jaw of the animal, thereby insuring an immediate response of the animal to the movements of the reins, in guiding the animal.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a spacing member in the form of a semirigid strap, connected between the side bars adjacent to the rein rings or loops of the side bars, for normally urging the side bars apart.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Referring to the drawing:

I Figure l is a side elevational view of a bit constructed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the bit.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of one of the enlarged circular end pieces of a side bar of the bit with the protecting cover removed.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line ii- 1 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken on line 55 of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the bit comprises side bars 5 which are formed with enlarged circular end pieces ii disposed at the upper ends thereof, the end pieces E having pintles 1 extending from opposite sides thereof, on which the members 3 are pivotally mounted, the members 8 having openings 9 for the reception of the check straps or the bridle with which the bit is used, and which are not shown in the drawing.

The bit bar is indicated by the reference character H, the bit bar having its ends curved forwardly at 12, where they are formed with openings 13 through which the chin strap is extends, securing the chin strap to the ends of the bit bar.

Formed on the outer surfaces of the enlarged circular end pieces 6, and arranged on opposite sides of the openings it are bearings it, which bearings have opening to accommodate the pins ll, which pass through openings in the bit bar adjacent to the forwardly extended ends thereof, pivotally mounting the bit bar on the upper ends of the side bars of the bit.

Secured to the outer surfaces of the enlarged circular end pieces t are protecting covers [8 which may be readily removed should it be desired to repair or replace worn parts of the bit.

The inner surfaces of the enlarged circular end pieces are covered by elastic discs Iii that are held in place by means of the plates 29 that are secured to the inner surfaces of the circular end pieces t. These elastic discs are formed with openings it through which the bit bar I 1 extends, and slots 22 through which the chin strap extends, the elastic discs guarding the pivoted connection between the bit bar and enlarged circular end pieces, to prevent injury to the mouth of the animal, by the lips of the animal being wedged between the end pieces and bit bar.

The lower ends of the side bars 5 are formed with rein rings or openings 23, to which the reins of the bridle (not shown) are connected.

Spaced openings 2% are formed in the side bars of the bit at points adjacent to the rein rings 23, providing means for securing the connecting strap 25 to the side bars, the connecting strap being constructed preferably of semi-rigid leather.

Surrounding the connecting strap 25 is the coiled spring it that has its ends bearing against the inner surfaces of the side bars normally urging the side bars ii apart and at the same time preventing buckling of the strap 25.

It will also be seen that due to this construction the end pieces may pivot with respect to the bit bar, whereby side pressure may be directed to one jaw of the animal by manipulating the reins connected with the side bars, while simultaneously releasing pressure on the other jaw of the animal, thereby insuring an immediate response to the movements of the reins by the animal, in guiding the animal.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a bridle bit, side bars having enlarged circular end pieces, a bit bar pivotally connected with said end pieces, a chin strap connected to the ends of the bit bar of each, said side bars having ring-shaped rein-receiving ends, a connecting strap connected with said side bars at points adjacent to the ring-shaped ends, and an expansible coiled spring surrounding said connecting strap, the ends of said coiled spring engaging the inner surfaces of said rein-receiving ends normally biasing said rein-receiving ends of said side bars away from each other.

2. In a bridle bit, side bars having enlarged circular ends formed with openings, spaced bearings secured to the outer surfaces of said enlarged ends adjacent said openings, a bit bar,

the ends of said bit bar being extended through 15 Number the openings of the circular ends of said side bars, with the extremities thereof extended forwardly, means for pivotally connecting the bit 4 between the spaced bearings, the ends of said bit bar having openings, a strap extending through the circular ends and held within the openings of the ends of the bit bar, and an expansible coiled spring engaging the inner surfaces of said side bars normally biasing the ends of said side bars opposite said strap holding ends away from each other.

JAMES M. ODONNELL.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date 397,273 Britt Feb. 5, 1889 2,186,350 Simon Jan. 9, 1940 2,517,338 ODonnell Aug. 1, 1950 

